Valley Forge Picnic – 2019

Posted on 05/06/2019 by Webmaster

Web_201905_ValleyForge-Picnic_20190504-130645 May 4, 2019

The day started with rain, and the hopes of the tour diminished as we started to ready our MGBGT V8.  As we drove to the meeting spot, the rain continued and our thoughts ran to “grab your brolly it’s drizzling outside”.  We were contemplating moving to an indoor alternative, the local Black Powder Inn for the usual hi-jinks.

As we approached the Starbucks in King of Prussia, the skies changed and the rain halted; we were gob smacked.  Bloody cool.

Dick and Sandy were waiting in their beautiful red MGA, 62 MKII, which once belonged to our dear friend, George Mellick.  Curtis and Sally were enjoying a cup while their burgundy MGB rested outside.  Jaimee and Gail, her other partner in crime, arrived next in the white MGA. (Tommy out enjoying the manly sport of Golf with MG’er Bobby Tiley.)

Brian Gumpert arrived in his BRG MGBGT 67, and was greeted by all.  Lastly Nancy and Warren had decided to make a go of it, and joined us in their blue MGB.  And we were off…..taking the closest thing to back roads to Valley Forge Park.

Our first stop was the Visitor Center, while we were waiting for the historical film to begin, Louise Story joined us in her MGB.  We were schooled in the history of the revolutionary war, and why Valley Forge was such a large part of the victory.

Next we stopped at the Muhlenberg site, where we learned further of the strategy of the elevated triangle of Washington’s army.  We got to see the living quarters of the infantry and of the commissioned officers.  A huge difference.

On to the Arch, where the club gathered for a photo op. By now the sun was shining. We continued to tour the park, Lew Phillips caught up to us in his not MG, as we toured one of the highlights, Washington’s home, and the train depot. We learned that the name Schuylkill comes from the Dutch, meaning “Hidden River.”

We picnicked at the artillery grove, a good old chinwag was enjoyed by all.  We drove to our final stop, Washington’s Memorial Chapel, where we were serenaded by the beautiful carillon of the Cathedral.  A great time was coming to an end.  We said our farewells, and drove off into the sunshine.

Thanks to all that participated, and thanks to Jaimee for bringing her cookies. Hope you enjoyed the addition of our British humor.

— Jeff and Robin Rose

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Tech Session – 2019

Posted on 04/20/2019 by Webmaster

Web_201904_Tech-Session_20190413-122722 April 13, 2019

A fine spring day saw 9 LBCs and 20 members (some in modern vehicles, but I included Donna’s 2017 Mini Cooper as an LBC) come to the Doerner Garage for the annual George Melick tech session. Folks that came were Donna Bristol with Gloria Schwab, Chuck Daniels, Dick & Sandy Suffredini, Bruce Swanson, Adam & Eva Ilnicki, Tom & Jaimee Rippert, Jerry Keller, Pat & Patty Cawthorne, Jeff Rose, Louise Story, Lew Phillips, Dave Sarley, and Lyn Hughes.

There was actually some work done on the cars including a cooling fan replacement on Ilnicki’s 52 TD, chassis lube on Cawthorne’s 77-ish B, distributor replacement on Louise’s 50 TD, and a little windscreen mounting adjustment on Doerner’s 77 B.

Additional to (or in avoidance of) the auto maintenance and discussion, Nancy and some of the ladies painted designs on wine glasses and coffee mugs. As usual, the pot-luck luncheon was delicious!

— Warren Doerner

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Anniversary Party – 2019

Posted on 03/10/2019 by Webmaster

Web_Anniverary_20190309-021205   March 9, 2019

The DVC’s 49th anniversary party was held on March 9, 2019 at the Pizza Como/PC Pub in Pennsburg, PA. After what seemed like a very long winter, it turned out to be a beautiful spring-like day that Saturday. Forty-three happy DVCers started to arrive about 1:00, and immediately started chatting, laughing and catching up with other members, some of which we haven’t seen in a while.

We were then asked to be seated so the server could take our food orders. After a delicious lunch, Patty welcomed everyone and announced that she would be stepping down as Chairperson that day. Lew Phillips stepped up to be Chairman at that time. After a few words from Lew, we moved on to Owards.

An Oward is a silly award that is presented to someone who may have had something go “not so perfect” with them and/or their trusty MG in the past year. Sandy keeps track of these things and then Tom and Dick put their heads together to come up with the Owards. The “lucky” recipients this year are as follows:

Pat and Patty Cawthorne
The problem: Their MGA leaks “somewhere.” On our trip to Cooperstown, NY this fall, their rears were soaked every time they got out of the car. Patty didn’t even have another pair of pants to wear because she forgot to pack them!!
The Oward: Official DVC plastic pants (like babies wear over their diapers) and official Moss Motors adult absorbent pads for their seats.

Jim Sanders
The problem: Jim’s fan belt squealed the entire trip to Cooperstown, NY (from the minute we left our starting point at the Turkey Hill in Ottsville!)
The Oward: A fan belt that actually squeaks.

Warren and Nancy Doerner
The problem: Their MGB was stuck in the mud at the Guy Fawkes Bonfire night in November. They were easily pushed out of the mud by a few hardy DVCers (Tom & Dick), Who aren’t the two you want pushing you if you don’t want an Oward
The Oward: A bag of “kitty litter” that he can carry with him in case they should get stuck in the mud again.

Adam Ilnicki
The problem: His TD suffered from overheating and vapor lock in the carburetors. His solution for that was to put wooden pinch clothespins on his gas line (lots of clothespins).
The Oward: Mounted to a plaque were lots of clothespins attached to a gas line.

Curtis Yocum
The problem: It seems Curtis falls asleep at DVC events. We have pictures to prove it!
The Oward: A bottle of “No Doze” (they’re actually ‘Smarties’) maybe the sugar will help.

After the Owards were presented to this year’s lucky recipients, we had the presentation of the “Book”. The highly coveted “Book” was originally presented to our founding chairman, Hank Rippert on his 29th birthday in 1974. The “Book” has been presented each year to someone new in the club since that time. The “Book’s” contents are highly secret. When you receive the “Book” you must swear to never reveal its contents to anyone who has not yet received the “Book”. It is suggested you take the “Book”, along with a bottle of wine, to your bed and open it there. Yes, it’s that good…………. Moving on, last year’s lucky recipients of the “Book”, Curtis and Sally Yocum, presented this year’s lucky recipients of the “Book” to Greg and Janice Lake! Congratulations Greg and Janice!

I don’t believe any MG’s came out of their garages that day, but Graham and Susie Gill arrived in their newly acquired 1971, Morris Minor Traveler. It’s a real beauty (it’s blue), and their smiles as they left the restaurant showed they love their new little British car.

See you at the Tech Session!

— Jaimee & Tom

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Movie Tavern – 2019

Posted on 02/16/2019 by Webmaster

February 10, 2019

On Sunday, February 10 at 3:15 the bar area at the Flourtown Movie Tavern was packed with 16 club members. In attendance were Nancy and Warren Doerner, Brian Gumpert, Garth and Susan Gill, Graham and Susie Gill, Pat and Patty Cawthorne, Louise Story, Greg and Janice Lake, Curtis and Sally Yocum, Mark and Janet Singer.

At 3:30 we took our reserved seats to view The Upside, a very funny and moving film about a wealthy quadriplegic who hires a struggling parolee to assist with his daily care. Both from vastly different backgrounds form a terrific bond and understanding as both rediscover the joy of living life to it fullest. Staring Kevin Hart, Brian Cranson and Nicole Kidman the cast did an outstanding job on screen.

Following the viewing we headed over to Graham and Susie’s home for some lite fare and beverages. It was a fun outing and a good get together enjoyed by all attending, with much discussion of MG’s, classic, and not so classic cars, trips and events.

— Graham and Susie Gill

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Concert – 2019

Posted on 01/23/2019 by Webmaster

Web_201901_Concert_20190119-143236   January 19, 2019

Eighteen happy DVCer’s met at the Sellersville Theater at 1:00 p.m. on January 19th. We took our seats, the show started and we were all quiet for almost 2 hours!! That doesn’t usually happen when we get together.

The show was terrific! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the big band music from the golden age of swing. The bandleader, Fred Radke, had loads of funny stories to tell about his days in the band from years ago.

After the show, Dick got a group picture in front of the theater. Then we invited everyone back to our house for food and refreshments. It was Jaimee’s birthday, so Tom led everyone in a rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Group singing lessons might be something we need to look into.

Everyone made it safely home before the snow got too deep.

Thank you to everyone who attended and made this a very memorable event.

— Jaimee & Tom

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